Superfood Quinoa Boosting Poor South American Countries' Economies

Quinoa is probably the world's healthiest grain and definitely one of the healthiest foods... and it's exploding in popularity. During one of the worst global recessions in history, demand for quinoa has helped to increase exports in two very poor countries: Peru and Bolivia. Since the wholesale price of the Andean grain has jumped sevenfold since 2000, these two down-trodden South American nations have definitely benefited economically.

The indigenous Bolivian indians who grow quinoa are among the poorest peoples in the Western Hemisphere. But the discovery or, really, re-discovery of quinoa's amazing nutritional properties has made it a popular health food item in the United States, Japan, and several European countries. As exports increase native Bolivians are seeing an improvement in their economic conditions.

Two of us have spent time in Peru, the other major "Quinoa connection" in the world. When we were there it was still considered "comida de pobres"... or poor people food. Although it was beginning to catch on among the upper classes as a health and weight loss food. It really is a very delicious, high-protein grain that's also rich in fiber and "good" carbohydrates.

Although there are already signs of over-farming, many experts believe that Quinoa production could be one of the keys for lifting very poor Latin Americans out of poverty. It could be, if handled properly and carefully grown organically, the next major crop for these countries.

Learn some mo': Quinoa's popularity boon to Bolivians